Label sheet construction and method for applying labels

ABSTRACT

A facestock releasably adhered to a liner sheet is die cut to form one or two compact disc labels, and two diametrically opposed tabs on each compact disc label and located so that one edge of the tab is in contact with one of the compact disc labels and is perforated. The liner side of the tab also has a die cut patterned so that it generally follows the outline of the tab, but which forms a shape which is inside of and slightly smaller than the face cut tab pattern. After the label sheet has passed through a printer or copier and the desired indicia has been printed on the labels, at least one of the tabs is pushed through from the reverse side of the sheet, or pulled through via a sheet opening partially separating the tab from the rest of the sheet. The tab, which is mostly free of exposed adhesive in that it is still laminated to the die cut section of release liner, is then grasped from the face side, and lifted upward, pulling the compact disc label away from the label sheet. If there is a second tab on the label, this is also removed as the label is removed, and can be grasped by the user&#39;s other hand in order to control the position of the label. The user is now able to position the label either directly onto the compact disc or into an alignment apparatus, without any significant contact to an adhesive coated surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to label sheet constructions andparticularly those having labels designed for application to compactdiscs. It more particularly relates to such labels that are cut in afacestock sheet that is releasably adhered to a liner sheet to form alabel sheet. The label sheet is adapted to be fed into a printer orcopier and the desired indicia printed on the labels, and the printedlabels peeled off of the liner sheet to be applied to a compact disc,either directly or using an alignment apparatus. The present inventionalso relates to sheet constructions, systems and methods for applyinglabels to tabs of divider sheets, to tabs of file folders, to envelopesand the like.

Commercially successful compact disc label sheets are currentlyavailable from Avery Dennison Corporation of Pasadena, Calif., as wellas other manufacturers. After the labels have been printed, they must beremoved from the sheet prior to application to the compact discs or thelike. Removal of the labels exposes the adhesive side of the label whichmust be handled in order to place the label either directly onto thecompact disc or in an apparatus designed to align the labelsconcentrically with the compact disc. Handling of the adhesive side ofthe label can result in a loss of adhesive tack due to contamination inthe area where it was handled, contributing to poor adhesion to thecompact disc in the contaminated area. Additionally, adhesion of thelabel to the user's fingers can increase the level of dexterity requiredto accurately place the label in its desired location.

One known label application method and system is provided in the INDEXMAKER Clear Label Dividers product available from Avery DennisonCorporation of Pasadena, Calif. This product includes a sheet havingcolumns of clear labels thereon attached with adhesive to a releasableliner sheet. The clear tab labels are formatted using preset layouts andexisting word processing software. The tab titles are printed onto theclear label sheet using laser or inkjet printers. The printed tabs arethen manually peeled off from the sheet and individually applied to thedivider tabs. This system allows the user to individually custom designand print each of the tabs with the desired indicia. The clear labelsvirtually disappear on the divider tabs giving the dividers a clean,professional look. Formatting can use preset layouts and existingsoftware programs such as MICROSOFT Word for Windows, COREL Word Perfectfor Windows, COREL Word Perfect for DOS, LOTUS Word Pro, and LOTUS AMIPro. The following U.S. patents are related to this prior art product:U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,135,261, 5,340,427 and 5,389,414. (All patents andother publications mentioned anywhere in this disclosure are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.)

Application of these labels can be time consuming, clumsy and subject toerror, since they must be separated and then attached individually tothe corresponding divider tabs. In the process of individually applyingthem, they often are not applied evenly or properly with the divider tabsheets. In other words, the above-described INDEX MAKER product has theproblem that the labels are difficult and time consuming to remove fromthe backing sheet and to place and align on the tabs so they arestraight. They are also small and cumbersome to handle.

Accordingly, a method for remedying these problems was designed andprovided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,525 to Pollman. The Pollman patentteaches using at least one set of precut labels removably attached tocarrier strips that are removably secured to a backing sheet. The precutlabels are spaced apart on the carrier strips to align substantially onthe tabs on the divider sheets. The user can separate a carrier stripand precut labels affixed thereto from the packing sheet, place andalign the carrier strip across the divider sheet such that the precutlabels are placed on the tabs of the divider sheets. He then pulls thecarrier sheet upwardly and away from the divider sheet such that theprecut labels separate from the carrier strip and remain on thedivider's tabs. This system, while an improvement in certain respectsover the prior art, has the disadvantage that the strips are typicallyflimsy and difficult to properly align. Additionally, the carrier stripcan be sticky and thus may stick to unwanted surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are an improved label sheet construction and a methodof removing labels therefrom. The construction includes a face stocksheet releasably adhered to a liner sheet. The face stock sheet is diecut to form at least one and preferably two compact disc labels, as wellas at least one and preferably two tabs for each compact disc label.Each tab is located so that one edge of the tab is in contact with oneof the compact disc labels. If there are two tabs on one compact disclabel, they are preferably-located at diametrically opposed positions.The edges where the tabs are in contact with the compact disc labels areperforated, having a plurality of uncut segments commonly called “ties,”alternating with cut segments commonly called “cuts.” The liner side ofthe tab also has a die cut patterned so that it generally follows theoutline of the tab, but which forms a shape that is inside of andslightly smaller than the face cut tab pattern.

After the label sheet has passed through a printer or copier and thedesired indicia has been printed on the labels, at least one of the tabsis pushed through from the reverse side of the sheet, partiallyseparating the tab from the rest of the sheet. For some labelconstructions, if there is a second tab, it is preferably pushed throughfrom the reverse side as well. The distance between the tab face cut andthe parallel liner cut can be varied in the design to improvefunctionality, preferably being narrower at the outer extremity, so thatthe outer edge separates from the rest of the sheet more easily,improving the probability that the perforated edge adjacent to thecompact disc label will remain intact. There may or may not be one ormore ties in the liner cut near the outer extremity in order to maintainthe integrity of the sheet during the manufacturing and printingprocesses. The tab, which is mostly free of exposed adhesive in that itis still laminated to the die cut section of release liner, is thengrasped from the face side, and lifted upward, pulling the compact disclabel away from the label sheet. If there is a second tab on the label,this is also removed as the label is removed, and can be grasped by theuser's other hand in order to control the position of the label. Theuser is now able to position the label either directly onto the compactdisc or into an alignment apparatus, without any significant contact toan adhesive coated surface. Once the label has been applied to thecompact disc, the tabs may be removed by pulling them away from thecompact disc, causing the perforation between the tab(s) and the compactdisc label to separate.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for removing and positioning compactdisc labels without touching any adhesive-coated surface. The apparatusincludes one or two tabs attached to the compact disc label. Anotheraspect of this disclosure is a novel method of removing compact disclabels without touching an adhesive surface by pushing the tab frombehind or pulling the tab from the front and lifting the label.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention includes one or moretab handles in combination with the jewel case alignment tab asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,934. This provides a method ofpositioning the label in the jewel case so that it is properly alignedwith and compact disc without handling the adhesive coated surface.

Various other label applicator constructions are disclosed herein. Eachincludes facestock adhered with releasable adhesive to a liner sheet.Die cut lines are made through the facestock but not through the linersheet; and die cut lines are made through the liner sheet but not thefacestock. Portions of the label sheet are then stripped away. Usingdifferent patterns of the die cut lines or other weakened separationlines and stripped away portions, the different label applicatorconstructions are formed. Each is a sheet construction with a pluralityof small elongate labels formed from the liner sheet and releasably heldto the facestock. The sheet construction is passed through a printer andthe desired indicia printed on the labels. The printed labels are thenready for easy controlled removal and application by the user to tabs ofindex dividers, file folders or the like.

According to one definition of the invention, the label sheet is die cuton both the face and liner to facilitate the application of labels ontothe dividers and file folders. The label sheet has die cuts that areoriented thereon to allow them to be aligned with either one or moresets of dividers or sets of file folders. The liner is die cut so that astrip can be removed directly from behind the labels, exposing theadhesive side of the labels. The labels are also temporarily held ontothe remainder of the sheet by small ties. Removal of the liner from thelabel sheet allows the user to align the tabs over the substrate usingthe rest of the label sheet as a carrier. The application of the labelsis followed by removal of the label sheet that breaks the ties, leavingjust the labels on the substrate. The label applicator constructionincludes a pressure sensitive laminate material die cut on both the faceand liner and sheeted to a standard-size sheet. The facestock of thepressure sensitive laminate material can be either paper or coated filmthat is toner or ink receptive. The adhesive can be permanent orremovable, depending on the level of adhesion needed for the end user.

A first construction/method of the invention is for applying multiplelabels on tab dividers/file folders. The label sheet includes die cutsthat are oriented on the sheet in a way that allows them to be alignedwith the set of tabs if a set of dividers were stacked on top of eachother. The liner is die cut so that a strip, positioned directly behindthe labels, can be removed, exposing the adhesive side of the labels.The labels are also temporarily held on the label sheet by small ties.The removal of the liner from the label sheet allows the user to alignthe tabs over the divider set using the label sheet as a carrier. Oncethe labels are affixed to the tabs, the user pulls away the label sheetto break the ties, leaving only the labels affixed to the tabs.

An alternate method for placing multiple label on tab dividers/filefolders uses a label sheet which includes labels arranged in a waysimilar to the first method. In this method, the liner is die cut in theshape of the row of labels. The labels are exposed by removing the stripof liner directly behind the labels. Next, a set of dividers is placedon the exposed adhesive using the outline of the removed liner as aguide. After the labels have been pressure applied to the tabs, thelabel sheet is pulled away, leaving the labels affixed to the tabs.

A second construction/method is for applying single labels ontosubstrate. In this method, individual labels are placed on the substrateone label at a time. On both short sides of the label, there are“handles” that are held onto the label by small ties. These handles areused to hold the labels over the desired position and used to align thelabels. After placing the labels on the desired location, the handlesare removed by pulling laterally away from the label.

An alternate construction/method uses a single “handle” on the label. Inthis method, individual labels are placed on the substrate by using asingle handle as an alignment tool. The handles are once again held ontothe labels by small ties that are designed to be broken after the labelhas been placed in its desired location.

A third construction/method uses multiple sets of tab dividers placed ina device that uses pouches that are tiered. A set of dividers is placedin each of the pouches. The dividers are positioned such that when alabel sheet, such as the one described in the first method, is alignedwith the top row of tabs, all others will also be aligned. This allowsthe user to label multiple sets of dividers in a single operation.

Thus according to one of the present inventions, disclosed herein is afacestock which is adhered with adhesive to a liner sheet. Weakenedseparation lines in the facestock define lines of facestock labels. Andweakened separation lines in the liner sheet define liner sheet stripsseparable from the body of the liner sheet to expose backsides ofrespective lines of labels. The rest of the liner sheet can then bemanipulated to position the line of labels on staggered tabs, the labelspressed into position and separated from the rest of the facestock.Another embodiment includes facestock sheet separation lines definingthe perimeters of facestock labels with at least one facestock handleattached thereto. The liner sheet includes a portion attached to thehandle whereby the handle, the label and the portion are removable as aunit from the liner sheet and the facestock, the handle manipulated toposition the label so that its adhesive backside is positioned andapplied at the desired surface location, and the handle and portion thenseparated from the label.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become moreapparent to those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which thepresent invention pertains from the foregoing description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first label applicator construction of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 IS A REAR VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 IS AN ENLARGED CROSS-SECTIONAL VIEW TAKEN ON LINE 3-3 OF FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first application step by a user of alabel unit of the construction of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second application step;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third application step;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a second label applicator construction of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the construction of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first application step by a userof a label unit of the construction of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second application step;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third application step;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a third label applicator construction of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the construction of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 15-15 in FIG.13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a top portion of the construction ofFIG. 13 showing a first step for applying a first series of printedlabels thereof;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a second step;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a third step;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fourth step;

FIG. 20 is a front view of a preferred alternative embodiment of thethird label applicator construction;

FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 20 but with dimensions indicatedthereon;

FIG. 22 is a rear view the embodiment of FIG. 20 with dimensionsindicated thereon;

FIG. 23 is a front view of a fourth label applicator construction of thepresent invention;

FIG. 24 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 25-25 of FIG.23;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the construction of FIG. 23 passingthrough a printer;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a top portion of the printedconstruction of FIG. 26 showing a first step for applying a first seriesof printed labels thereof;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a second step;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a third step;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a fourth step;

FIG. 31 is a partially cross-sectional view showing an envelope or pouchof the present invention holding a plurality of offset-stacked sets ofdividers ready for application of printed labels from a labelconstruction such as that of FIG. 23 or 28;

FIG. 32 is a schematic view showing a manufacturing process of a labelapplicator construction of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of a label sheet of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of a portion of the sheet of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of another portion of sheet of FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of yet another portion of the sheet of FIG.33;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged view of a further another portion of the sheet ofFIG. 33;

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of an alternative label sheet of the presentinvention after having passed through a printer or a copier and indiciaprinted thereon;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged view of a portion of the sheet of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a view of one of the label assemblies of sheet of FIG. 38after having been peeled off of it;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a label assembly of the presentinvention shown in place on a label applicator device;

FIG. 41 a is a view similar to FIG. 41, showing a CD in a restingposition;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a second label assembly of the presentinvention shown in position on a label applicator device;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a third label assembly of the presentinvention shown being positioned on a label applicator device;

FIG. 44 is a top perspective of another label assembly of the presentinvention shown in position on another label applicator device;

FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a view similar to FIG. 44 showing a full face label;

FIG. 46 a is a side elevational view of FIG. 46;

FIG. 47 is a top plan view of an alternative label sheet;

FIG. 48 is a top plan view of an alternative label sheet of the presentinvention;

FIG. 49 is a top plan view of another label sheet of the presentinvention;

FIG. 50 is a top plan view of a label assembly for a business cardcompact disc of the present invention;

FIG. 51 is a top plan view of another label assembly for business cardcompact disc; and

FIG. 52 is a top plan view of a label assembly sheet which includes ajewel case insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A number of different label applicator constructions of the presentinvention are disclosed herein and will now be described. Generallyspeaking, each is formed as a sheet construction having a liner sheetwith a facestock attached to the back side thereof. One embodiment is toform the sheet construction as a laminate having an ink and/or laserreceptive top coat facestock laminated with pressure sensitive adhesiveto a release-coated paper liner. The facestock has weakened separationlines formed therein to define a plurality of facestock labels. Andweakened separation lines in the liner sheet form the liner sheet so itcan be separated into portions to assist in the proper placement of thefacestock labels on the tabs of the index dividers, file folders or thelike. More particularly, the weakened separation lines of the linersheet allow the liner sheet to be separated such that one or moreportions of the liner sheet can be manually handled by the user in theplacement of the facestock labels so that he need not touch the labels.Additionally, the liner sheet portions thereby defined help the userproperly position the facestock label(s) on the tab(s). As will becomeapparent from the following detailed descriptions, some of theembodiments herein allow the user to individually remove and manipulatelabels and others allow for an entire line or row of labels to beessentially simultaneously applied to a line of stacked, staggered tabsin a manner that is an improvement over the problems experienced withthe Pollman method.

The weakened separation lines can be formed by generally any knownmethod. A preferred method for many of the lines is to die cut them.Each of the die cut lines typically will penetrate only one of the linersheet or the facestock sheet. And the die cut portions of the linersheet or facestock sheet are maintained on the label applicator sheetconstruction by the adhesive so that they will not separate from thesheet while the sheet is being passed through a printer or copier.Instead of die cutting, the weakened separation lines can be formed byperforated lines or other means as would be apparent to those skilled inthe art.

A first label applicator construction of the present invention is shownin FIGS. 1 through 6, generally at 100. It can be understood from FIG. 3that the facestock sheet 104 is attached with adhesive 108 to the linersheet 112. Both the liner sheet 112 and the facestock 104 have die cutlines. The pattern for the die cut lines 116 of the liner sheet 112 isbest shown in FIG. 2, which is the rear view of the sheet. FIG. 1 thenshows the pattern of the die cut lines 120 in the facestock 104; and ascan be understood therein and also from FIG. 3, portions of thefacestock have been stripped away to form the edge margins 124 of theconstruction. These margins are provided to reduce the curl on the labelsheets. Additionally, a gutter strip 128 has been removed from thecenter and a perforation line 132 formed down the center of the linersheet 112. This allows the construction 100 to be divided into two partsby the user. Two smaller label applicator construction sheets arethereby formed for passing through the printer or as may be desired bythe user.

Referring to FIG. 1, the facestock sheet is cut by the die cut lines 120into four columns of ten rows of labels. Of course, different numbers ofcolumns and rows or different patterns (non-matrix) of the labels can beused as needed. Each of the facestock labels has a two partconstruction, each having a large rounded corner rectangle 140 attachedwith a perforated line or ties 144 to a smaller rounded corner rectangle148. And the liner sheet is then cut to define a similar number ofcolumns and rows of small rounded corner rectangles 160, each positionedon the back of the respective rounded corner rectangles 144 of the labeland adhered thereto by the adhesive 108. The smaller facestock labelrectangle 148 defines a handle portion of the label unit 150, and thelarger rectangle 140 defines the actual facestock label of the unit 150on which indicia 164 is printed. A respective liner sheet 160 rectangleis adhered to this handle portion 148 of the unit 150.

The sheet construction 100 is passed through a printer or a copier, suchas shown in FIG. 26 at 170. And the desired indicia 164 are printed onthe facestock label portion 140 of the unit 150. It is anticipated thatall of the facestock labels 140 will be printed in a single pass throughthe printer 170. However, it is within the scope of the invention toprint less than all of them and then pass the sheet through a second,third, or more times to print on the remaining labels. Alternatively,the user can hand write on some or all of the labels 140.

After the label 140 has been printed, or handwritten thereon, with thedesired indicia 164, the label unit 150 is pulled off the rest of thesheet, as shown in FIG. 4, by the user grasping the liner sheet portion160 and the handle portion 148 and removing them along their die cutlines from the surrounding liner sheet and facestock sheet and pullingthe label portion 140 off of the underlying liner sheet with adhesive108 remaining on the bottom portion of the label. The user thenmanipulates the label portion 140 into a desired position on the tab 174by holding and manipulating the facestock handle portion and theattached liner sheet portion, as shown in FIG. 5, between his thumb 178and forefinger 182. The label 140 is then pressed down by the user andadhered with the adhesive 108 in the desired position on the tab 174.The handle portion with liner sheet portion attached thereto areseparated from the printed adhered label by tearing along theperforation line or ties 144 as shown in FIG. 6. Thereby the printedlabel 140 is accurately positioned by the user and without the usertouching the label portion and thereby dirtying it or smudging it withbody oils from the user's fingers or the user's fingers adhering to theadhesive.

FIGS. 7 through 12 illustrate a second label applicator construction ofthe present invention generally at 200. It is seen therein that it isconceptually similar to the construction 100 in that removable labelunits 202 are defined by die cut lines 204, 206 in the facestock 208 andin the liner sheet 212, and adhesive 214 is provided between the sheets.However, instead of the facestock portion being formed by a largeelongate rectangle defining the label with a smaller elongate rectangleparallel thereto along a side edge defining the handle portion, adifferent configuration is shown in construction FIG. 7. Although theunit 202 of FIG. 7 includes a similar elongate rectangular facestocklabel 216, facestock handle portions 220, 224 are formed at each endthereof and with perforation lines or ties 228, 232 between the ends ofthe facestock label and both of the handle portions. Similarly, linersheet portions 236, 240 are die cut on the backs of each of thefacestock handle portions 220, 224, respectively. The liner sheetportions 236, 240 have slightly smaller dimensions than the respectivehandle portions 220, 224, defining a thin facestock margin about theperimeter of the liner sheet portions.

After the sheet 200 has been passed through a printer or a copier andthe desired indicia 250 printed on the labels 216, as shown in FIG. 10,the two end handle portions 220, 224 and liner sheet portions 236, 240are grasped and pulled away from the sheet and the facestock label 216peeled off from the liner sheet 212 with a layer of adhesive on the backof the label. With the two handle portions grasped by the user, thelabel unit 204 is positioned such that the label 216 is in the desiredposition on the tab 254 as shown in FIG. 11, and the label 216 is thenpressed into position. The two handle portions 220, 224 are then pulledaway along the perforation lines 228, 232 from the ends of the adheredlabel, as depicted in FIG. 12. Thereby, similar to the sheet 100, thefacestock label 216 itself is never touched by the user.

Referring to FIGS. 13 through 19, a third label applicator constructionsheet of the present invention is shown generally at 300. It is seenalso to comprise a liner sheet 304 and a facestock 308 attached withadhesive 312 to the face of the liner sheet. Similar to the otherconstructions disclosed herein, margin edges 316 of the facestock havebeen cut and removed as well as a center gutter portion 320 and aperforation line 324 through the liner sheet and down the middle of theliner sheet as formed. The facestock has been die cut to form lines 328of spaced rounded corner rectangular labels 332, each connected toadjacent labels with thin strips 336 and with the die cut line extendingfrom the end labels to the edge of the facestock. The liner sheet 304 isdie cut 340 with end lines extending all the way to but spaced a smalldistance to form a small break-away tie at the edge of the sheet. Thedie cut lines extend in a distance and then extend down, across and up,parallel to the outer shape of the adjacent label but spaced outwardly aslight distance therefrom and extending out to form a small plateau 350between adjacent labels similar to the spacing on the facestock sheetbetween the adjacent labels. The label liner sheet portions 354 areadhered to respective ones of the facestock labels 332 while the sheetis intact and passed through the printer or copier.

After passing therethrough and with desired indicia 360 printed on thelabels 332, the liner strip 364 at the top of the sheet is pulled awayand separated from the remainder portion 370 of the sheet. The linersheet portions mentioned above are removed with the liner sheet striptogether with a liner sheet bar at the top 374. This step is shown inFIG. 16. The adhesive connection between the facestock and the linersheet and the small ties at the end of the liner sheet cut lines, holdthe sheet intact and prevent the liner strip 364 from separating beforeit is manually pulled away by the user after the printing. When it hasbeen pulled away, the liner sheet portions 354 on the backs of therespective facestock labels 332 are removed thereby exposing theadhesive back sides of the line of labels 332 at the top of theremaining sheet portion 370. The top row of exposed labels 332 extends aslight distance out from the top edge of the sheet. The large remainingsheet portion 370 can then be manipulated by the user into the desiredposition aligned with the set of tab dividers 374 or file folders withtheir staggered tab 378. The body portion 370 provides a strong, notflexible or flimsy, handle for manipulating and accurately positioningthe top row of exposed labels onto the desired positions on thestaggered tabs as shown in FIG. 17.

Each of the properly positioned labels 332 is then pressed flat down toform a strong adhesive bond onto the respective tabs 378 as depicted inFIG. 18. The body handle portion 370 of the sheet is then pulled awayfrom the adhered labels 332, breaking the thin facestock ties betweenthe adjacent labels and leaving the labels in position. Referring backto FIG. 15, the next top liner strip is removed to expose the backsidesof the second line of printed labels. The second line of printed labelsare then manipulated into position on a second set of staggereddividers, the labels pressed into position and the remaining smallerbody portion removed. This can be understood by again viewing FIGS. 17through 19.

The fourth embodiment of FIG. 20, shown generally at 400, is animprovement over the embodiment of FIG. 13, and a number of smalldifferences are apparent. It similarly includes facestock 404, linersheet 408, adhesive, and cut lines to form labels 416, strips, etc. Oneof the differences is that there is an increased offset between the faceand liner cuts. Also, there are more rounded corners, additional tiesare provided on the faces, additional ties are provided on the linersand additional rows of labels are provided. The face cuts are providedto relax the post-laser curl in laser printers.

Referring to FIG. 21, preferred dimensions in inches are: 430 a (0.063),430 b (1.251), 430 c (R0.125 typical), 430 d (0.750), 430 e (0.438typical), 430 f (0.219), 430 g (0.547), 430 h (1.656 typical), 430 i(2.031 typical), 430 j (0.824 typical (this half of sheet only)), 430 k(0.006 first row 0.008 second, third row; 0.010 fourth row tie typical(this half of sheet only)), 430 l (0.187 ref.), 430 m (0.094 typical),430 n (0.010 tie typical both sides), 430 o (0.006 tie typical bothsides), 430 p (4.025 typical), 430 q (0.075), 430 r (R0.109 typical),430 s (8.500 web width ref.), 430 t (0.063 typical), 430 u (0.010 tietypical both ends), 430 v (0.188 typical), 430 w (0.188 typical), 430 x(10.875) and 430 y (11.000)

It can be seen that ten cavities are provided across by five around at1.656 inches by 0.438 inch. Five ties per cavity as are provided onone-half of the sheet, and four ties per cavity on the other half of thesheet. The two surrounding cavities are 10.875 inches by 4.025 inches.The 1.5 mil polyester face is cut through to the 3.0 mil paper liner.

Referring to FIG. 22, preferred dimensions in inches are: 440 a (⅛″ cut×1/32″ tie), 440 b (0.031), 440 c (4.250), 440 d (0.015 tie typical bothends each repeat), 440 e (0.235 both ends), 440 f (0.031 tie typical),440 g (0.366), 440 h (0.015 tie typical both ends), 440 i (0.015 tietypical), 440 j (0.313 typical), 440 k (0.625 typical), 440 l (0.243typical), 440 m (1.250 typical), 440 n (0.938 typical), 440 o (0.133typical), 440 p (0.015 tie typical), 440 q (0.375 typical), 440 r (0.437typical), 440 s 1 (1.500), 440 s 2 (0.750 typical), 440 s 3 (0.031), 440s 4 (0.500), 440 t (R0.125 typical), 440 u (8.500 web width), 440 v(R0.188 typical), 440 w 1 (0.531 typical), 440 w 2 (1.750 typical), 440w 3 (2.031 typical), 440 x (10.938) and 440 y (11.000 circumference)

Referring to FIGS. 23 through 30, a fifth label applicator constructionof the present invention is shown generally at 500. It similarlyincludes the back liner sheet 504 and the facestock 508 adhered to afront surface thereof with adhesive 512, as shown in FIG. 25. Similarly,margin 516 and the center gutter portion 520 of the facestock have beencut and removed. Die cut lines 524, 528 are formed in both the linersheet to but not through the facestock and through the facestock to butnot through the liner sheet. The die cut lines 524 through the facestockform parallel rows of spaced rounded rectangular labels 534. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 23, eight rows of five labels are formed. Thinbreakable facestock necks separate adjacent labels in each row.

The die cut lines 528 in the liner sheet 504 form a plurality of linerstrips 550, each of the strips is comprised of a series of rectangularliner sheet portions 554 connected at the center ends to the adjacentliner sheet portions with necks 558. Each of the liner sheet portions554 has the same shape but with slightly larger dimensions than theunderlying and attached facestock label 534. The liner sheet necks 558provide sturdy connections between the liner sheet portions 554 suchthat the entire strip 550 can be removed without the liner sheetportions 554 separating. It is removed after the sheet has been passedthrough a printer 170 and the indicia 560 printed on the top surfaces ofthe facestock labels as depicted in FIG. 26.

In other words, the liner sheet strip 550 is peeled off or removed fromthe sheet, leaving the exposed backsides of the respective adhesivelabels 534. The sheet can then be manipulated such that the exposedbacksides of the labels 534 are positioned on the respective stacked andstaggered tabs 570 of the dividers or file folders 574 as shown in FIG.28. The labels 534 are pressed down into position to provide a firm,straight adhesion of the labels to the tabs 570, as depicted in FIG. 29.The remainder of the sheet 578 is then pulled off of the labels 534 asshown in FIG. 30, leaving them properly applied on the tabs.

An advantage of construction of 500 is that more than one row of labelscan be applied at the same time by removing more than one of the linerstrips 534. A system for doing this is shown in FIG. 31, where, forexample, four rows of printed labels can be applied at the same time tofour sets of dividers 586. If the dividers 586 are offset or stacked ina stepped fashion relative to one another, a method for doing thisconsistently and accurately and holding the sets in this offset positionis shown by the pouch 600 of FIG. 31. The pouch 600 has a series ofstaggered pockets 604, each for holding a respective set of dividers586.

In other words, FIG. 31 shows a system of placing four rows of labels ontab dividers in a single step. The label sheet construction can be thesheet 500, for example, or constructions as illustrated herein as wouldbe apparent to those skilled in the art. The tab dividers 586 are placedin the unique pouch 600 of the present invention, which positions themin a staggered layout. The pouch 600 can be made from a sheet of paperwith several pockets 604 of the same material, glued on the body of thepouch by adhesive. The paper will preferably be ninety pound index orhigher basis weight material that can be durable as sensitive dividersare placed in and out of the pouches. This pouch 600 speeds the labelapplication process where numbers of different sets of dividers must belabeled as part of a single operation. This speeds the labelingoperation and helps ensure accurate alignment and placement of thelabels with minimal user handling.

Examples of materials usable for the label applicator constructionsdisclosed herein are for the clear film label for laser printers: thefacestock can be 1.5 mil polyester with laser topcoating, the adhesivecan be permanent acrylic adhesive, and the liner can be 3.4 mil paperrelease liner. For the clear film label for inkjet printers, thefacestock can be 1.5 mil polyester with inkjet top coating, the adhesivecan be permanent acrylic adhesive, and the liner can be 3.4 mil paperrelease liner. Alternatives range from using ink and toner receptivefacestock material to using both permanent and removable adhesives. Asan example for paper labels, the facestock can be 4.0 mil paperfacestock, the adhesive can be acrylic emulsion and the liner can be 2.8mil paper liner.

A manufacturing process of the present invention as shown schematicallyin FIG. 32 at 700. Referring thereto, the material is a laminateconsisting of an ink and/or laser receptive top coated facestocklaminated via pressure sensitive adhesive to a release coated paperliner. The facestock can be ink or toner receptive paper or film. Theadhesive can be any acrylic emulsion, solvent or hot melt pressuresensitive adhesive that is permanent or removable. And the release lineris a release coated liner. It is supplied in roll form 704 forconverting into label sheets. The converting operation may or may notinclude printing, which generally speaking is not critical to thefunction or application of the label product.

The material is web fed through the converting press, such as the MarkAndy 4120, so as to pass through an initial rotary die station 712 that,when and where the product requires it, cuts through the liner but notthrough the polyester facestock. The anvil roller 716 is on top and thecutting die 720 is below at this station, as shown in the drawing. Therotary die that is in the initial die station may or may not include aperforation blade, which makes intermittent cut through the liner alongthe center of the web.

The web may or may not be turned over before it is passed through asecond rotary die station 730 that, where the product requires it, cutsthrough the polyester facestock but not through the liner. The web thenpasses through a matrix removal station 740 that lifts and removes asection of the face material 744 which typically includes, but is notlimited to, the perimeter around the label sheet and may or may notinclude a strip removed from the center of the sheet that coincides withthe perforation in the liner.

Finally, the web passes through a sheeting station 750, which uses oneor more cross-directional blades to cut the web into individual sheets.The sheets are fed into a packaging/collating station 760, whichincludes a stacker, which stacks the sheets one on top of the other intopredetermined count stacks. The individual stacks are either fed into acollator, or fed into a packaging area, where they are packaged in bulkfor later collation with other materials.

This general concept of providing a handle or tab (or strip) attached toa label to help the user position and secure the label to the desiredsurface without touching an adhesive surface can be applied to variousdifferent label constructions, as will now be described. In particular,it can be applied to compact disc labels, which are circular and have acircular opening. As described herein, the circular opening can be afull-face type of (narrow) opening corresponding to the diameter of thecenter opening of the disc or can be a standard diameter such as 1⅝inch. The circular label itself will have a diameter corresponding tothe diameter of the compact disc and may be 4½ inches, as an example.The label assembly can have one or preferably two diametrically opposedtabs extending out from the label and attached thereto. The labelassemblies are formed on a sheet having a facestock sheet releasablyadhered to a liner sheet. The label assembly is formed by weakenedseparation lines (die-cut, perforated, scored and other) in thefacestock sheet and/or the liner sheet. The various arrangements thereofwill be described in detail now with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

After the sheet has been passed through a printer or copier and thedesired indicia printed on the label portions of the sheet, so that thedesired indicia is printed on the label portions of the sheets, the tabsare then pushed or pulled up and grasped with a portion of the liner(liner patch) being adhered to the facestock portion of the tab and thelabel assembly then peeled off of the sheet. The user can then grasp theother opposing tab, which similarly has a liner sheet portion on itsback side (alternatively, he can grasp and pull both tabs at the sametime). By grasping the two tabs and the liner sheet portions thereof,the user does not contact any adhesive surface. However, he can positionthe label directly on the desired surface.

Alternatively, he can position the label assembly on a label applicatordevice. According to a preferred embodiment, the label assembly ispositioned with the adhesive side of the label facing up, the tabshooked into place, and the CD is then pressed down on a center post ofthe device into contact with the label for adherence thereto. The CDwith the label assembly adhered thereto can be removed from the deviceand the tabs torn off from the label. Preferably, weakened separationlines provide the tearing lines for the tabs. These are preferablyperforated lines passing through the facestock sheet.

Referring to FIG. 33, a sheet of the present invention is showngenerally at 800. It includes two side-by-side label assemblies 804,808. The label assemblies are identical except that one is rotated onehundred and eighty degrees relative to the other one. Both includecircular labels 820, with the outside circumferences defined by die-cutlines 824 through the facestock sheet around the entire perimeter exceptfor the two portions 830, 834 adjacent the tabs 840, 844. Those arcuatelines 830, 834 are formed by perforated lines extending through both thefacestock sheet and the liner sheet. The center hole 850 is formed by adie-cut line, and the hole can either be a full face (small) hole or astandard larger hole. The tab portions of the label assemblies, as isshown in FIGS. 34-37, are formed by die-cut lines having ties and cuts860 through the facestock sheet. All of the tabs have liner sheetpatches 866 formed by cut and/or perforated lines 870 through the linersheet on their back sides. The liner sheet patches have generally thesame size and shape as the facestock portion but with slightly smallerdimensions. Each of the tabs has a pair of opposing side notches 890.These notches are provided to help position and hold the labels in placein label applicator devices, as will be shown and discussed later inthis disclosure. The notches can have a central tie portion.

Crescent-shaped areas 900 are preferably formed by die-cut lines throughthe liner sheet at the ends of one of the two tabs of each of the labelassemblies. The label sheet has cut lines through the facestock sheet,forming a matrix 910 of horizontal and vertical lanes 914, 918 outsideof the label assemblies. The crescent patches are attached to thismatrix. Thus, the facestock matrix can be pulled off of the sheet beforethe label sheet is marketed to the user. This matrix 910 then will pulloff the crescent-shaped portions 900 of the liner sheet attachedthereto. This leaves crescent-shaped through-holes through the labelsheet (and the facestock sheet). This allows the user to insert the tipof his finger from the top of the label sheet, in through the holes toengage the distal ends of one of the tabs and to pull the tab up, graspand pull the tab, thereby peeling the label assembly 804 (or 808) off ofthe sheet 800. In other words, the crescent-shaped holes allow the userto easily engage and pull up on the ends of the tabs 840.

Also, die-cut into the face sheet are a plurality of elongate spinelabels 930. Eight are shown in the embodiment of FIG. 33. These labelsare also conveniently printed in the printer or copier with the user'scustom-designed indicia. They are similarly peeled off and applied tothe spines of the jewel cases or other storage boxes for the labeledCDs, by the user.

FIG. 38 shows generally at 950 a label sheet of the invention which is avariation of the label sheet of FIG. 33. This label sheet 950 isillustrated as provided to the user and after the user has passed itthrough a printer or copier to have desired indicia 954 printed thereon.It is seen for this embodiment that the crescent-shaped openings 960 areprovided for both tabs 970 of each label 974 of each label assembly 980,984. In contrast, the embodiment of FIG. 33 only provides thecrescent-shaped opening for one of the tabs of each of the labelassemblies. Another difference is that only four spine labels 990 areprovided. A further difference is the configuration of the removablefacestock matrix 1000. As discussed above, when this matrix is removed,the crescent-shaped liner sheet portions are removed therewith to formthe openings 960. This is an easy way to remove the crescent-shapedsheet portions without having excess small waste pieces produced. Thatis, it is a much cleaner and more efficient way of removing thecrescent-shaped pieces than simply punching them out.

FIG. 39 shows an enlarged view of one of the tabs of the sheet of FIG.38. It shows the face-cut line 1010 only in the circumference of thelabel, the microperforation arcuate line 1014 through the facestocksheet. The liner-patch die-cut line 1018 is cut through the liner sheetfrom the liner side. The sides 1022 of the tabs, which are cut to formties 1026, are cut through the facestock sheet and the liner sheet fromthe face side. The corners 1030 are cut through the liner from the linerside, and the crescent-shaped hole 960 is cut through the liner. Theside edges 1040, 1050 of the face matrix are cut through the facestocksheet. When the face matrix is removed, the crescent-shaped portion ofthe cut liner, which is adhered thereto with the sheet adhesive, ispulled off and removed with the face matrix 1000 to form thecrescent-shaped hole at the end of each of the tabs. For thisembodiment, the liner sheet patch 1060 on the rear side of the tabs 970is the same size as the facestock sheet (front) portion of the tabs.

Referring to FIG. 38, after the printing operation as shown thereon, theuser inserts his finger into either one of the crescent-shaped openings960 for one of the label assemblies 980 or 984 and pulls up on the labelassembly, grasping the tab 970 from the front and back and peels thelabel and opposing tab off of the underlying liner sheet, and the usergrasps the opposing tab on both sides thereof between the fingers of hisother hand. The label assembly 980 is then as depicted in FIG. 40, readyfor insertion on a label applicator device.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a label applicator device showngenerally at 1100 with a label assembly 1110 of the present invention inposition thereon. It can be seen that the label assembly 1110 is fittedvia its central hole onto the central post assembly 1120. The labelassembly is held on the soft curved support surface 1130 of the device,adhesive side 1140 up, by the positioning of the tab notches 1144 of thetabs 1148 onto the upright device pins 1150. With the label assembly sopositioned the CD 1170 is positioned on the center post 1120 as shown inFIG. 41 a and pressed down onto the label assembly 1100, effectivelyadhering the label to the disc. That is, the CD 1170 is shown in FIG. 41a in a rest position on the post assembly, ready to be manually presseddown onto the adhesive surface of the label assembly 1170.

FIG. 42 shows the label applicator device 1100 with the post assembly1120 raised so that the raised pegs of posts 1160 define a large opening1164 for a large or regular opening label assembly, as depicted. Theraised center pegs 1160 position the center opening of the label and thetabs 1148 are held in place by the pins 1150 engaging in the sidenotches of the tabs.

An alternative applicator device 1200 where, instead of notches in thesides of the tabs, the tabs 1208 have center slots or holes 1212 isshown in FIG. 43. These slots or holes 1212 are then positioned on theposts 1220 of the applicator. While the small hole opening 1230 for theembodiment of the label assembly 1240 is shown, this arrangement canalso be used for the regular size opening by raising the post assemblyas depicted in FIG. 42.

The notch embodiment is preferred over the central hole embodiment (FIG.43), which may require that the user punch or push out the center dotpiece from the tab 1208 to form hole 1212. Also, because it is easierfor the user to see the side pins 1150 instead of a central pin 1220,application of the tabs to the device is easier. The pins in eitherembodiment can keep the label assembly flat during application,minimizing the possibility of creating bubbles. If bubbles are created,they can be squeezed out without forming wrinkles. Additionally, thetabs can be provided with both side notches and central slots to fit oneither device.

FIGS. 44 and 45 show an alternative label applicator device 1260 whichhas a different shape and slightly different operation, while employingthe same function as the above-described devices, in that as the CD ispressed down, the entire applicator device is compressed down against areturn bias. The return bias can be provided by the engineered plasticmaterial of the device and/or by leaf or other springs attached to thebottom surface of the device. The longitudinal curving top surface helpsposition the label assembly and more effectively apply the label to theCD without wrinkling or bubbles. The label assembly 1270 shown in FIGS.44 and 45 is a regular size opening label 1280; In contrast, the labelassembly of FIGS. 46 and 46 a is a small hole label 1290.

FIG. 47 shows an alternative label sheet 1300 where instead of thecrescent-shaped opening, a push tab 1310 is formed at the end of one orboth of the tabs 1320 of each of the label assemblies. The tab is cutthrough both the face and the liner around a substantial portion of theperimeter 1330 and the end 1340 of the push tab is cut with a perforatedor similar line through the face and/or liner. Spine labels 1350 canalso be provided cut into the facestock sheet. The periphery 1360 of thelabels 1370 can be die-cut except at arc 1374. And the liner can be cutat line 1378.

FIG. 48 shows an alternative sheet embodiment 1400 where the CD labelassembly is located symmetrically on the sheet. Tabs 1410 on either sideof the label 1420 are formed. The liner section 1420 of the tab isdirectly underneath the facestock portion 1430 of the tab so that bypushing the liner section, the facestock section partially separatesfrom the sheet. The facestock section 1430 is attached to the compactdisc label 1420 by perforations 1440. Lifting the facestock portion ofthe tab with the attached liner section of the tab lifts the compactdisc label 1420 from the liner sheet. The opposed tab with its linersection can be lifted prior to the removal of the compact disc label1420 or it can be left in and will pull the section of the opposite tabup during removal.

Referring to FIG. 49, an alternative label sheet embodiment is showngenerally at 1500 wherein the alignment tab 1510 which is a perforationcut through both the facestock and the release liner and is separated bya liner cut 1520, is removed along with the (compact disc) label 1524.The tab 1530 is attached to the compact disc label 1524 by a perforationline 1540, and the tab liner section 1544. This label assembly can behandled without contacting the adhesive-coated surface. The alignmenttab 1510 can then be used to align the label with the compact disc usingthe contours of the compact disc jewel case in accordance with U.S. Pat.No. 5,715,934, incorporated herein.

This concept incorporates a mirror image of the “hat” concept that iscurrently used for Laser, Inkjet, and Color Laser CD labels. One purposeof having the second “hat” is to allow users to punch out the “hats”from behind and remove the CD label. A portion of the label (the middlearea) has exposed adhesive, while the remainder of the assembly is stillin laminate form. The idea is to place this assembly upside down on a CDapplicator and peel back both “hats” simultaneously, so that equal forceis applied in opposite directions as the liner sections of the “hats”are removed from the CD label. This allows the CD label to be relativelyundisturbed on the applicator while the liner is being removed, with theend goal of having the CD label adhesive side up, with all of theadhesive exposed, never having contacted the adhesive directly witheither hand. The CD can then be placed on top of the CD label in theapplicator and applied thereto.

An alternate use of this concept would be to use the jewel case as analignment tool and utilize it as our existing CD labels are used. Thefirst “hat” would be positioned into the appropriate corners of thejewel case, the exposed area of the label would be applied to the CD,and then the “hats” would be removed sequentially or simultaneously.Again, the user would not need to contact an adhesive coated surfaceduring this label application process.

FIGS. 50 and 51 show label assemblies used for business card CD's. Thelabel portion 1550 of the label assembly 1560 of FIG. 50 has roundedends while the label 1570 of the assembly 1580 of FIG. 51 has squarecorners 1584, and both have center holes 1590. These differentconfigurations are provided to accommodate and fit on differentconfigurations of business card CD's. It is noted that both of the labelassemblies of FIGS. 50 and 51 have the no-touch tabs 1600 with notches1610 and with the liner sheet portion or patch on the back side of thetabs so the user advantageously does not grasp an adhesive surface.These tabs have notches to fit onto centering pegs of label applicatordevices, as previously described, or adapted to accommodate CD businesscards. Alternatively, they can have central slots or holes. A furtherembodiment Would be to omit any notches or holes. These labels can beshaped to match a variety of business card CD types, as would beapparent to those skilled in the art.

The label sheet 1630 of FIG. 52 is used to provide printed ornon-printed jewel case inserts together with the CD label assemblies.The jewel case insert shown at the top of the sheet at 1640 is a 4.875by 4.875 inch square. It is defined by microperforations 1650 throughboth the face sheet and the liner sheet, with 0.0625 inch offsets 1660.The face and backing are both permanent laminations so that they feellike a regular card. In other words, the area 1640 does not have asilicone coating, while the rest of the sheet does have a siliconecoating. The tabs 1670 of the single label assembly 1680 both have thecut liner portions 1684 secured to their rear surfaces as previouslydiscussed so that the user does not contact adhesive surface whilehandling the tabs. Microperfs 1688 in the face sheet separate the tabsfrom the labels 1690. The center holes 1696 in the labels can be eitherfull face or regular size openings. One or more spine strips can also beprovided on the sheet 1630.

FIG. 54 shows generally at 1700 an address label embodiment afterremoval from a label sheet. The top and side tabs 1710, 1714 with linersheet patches on their back sides are used to align the label 1720correctly to an envelope (not shown) and then are torn off along theirperforation lines 1734. This leaves the adhesive printed or non-printedlabel correctly positioned and adhered to the envelope.

A license plate label assembly 1750 having a pair of no-touch tabs 1760,1764 extending out from the label 1770 is shown in FIG. 54. These tabs1760, 1764 are aligned to the edge of the license plate, the label 1770applied and the tabs removed in a process similar to that described withrespect to other embodiments herein.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that thereare a number of changes, adaptations and modifications of the presentinvention which come within the province of those skilled in the art.For example, the labels, instead of being passed through a printer orcopier, are written directly thereon by a pencil, pen or the like, orthe labels are provided on the sheet with the indicia pre-printed. Orthe labels can be unprinted color coded labels. Another alternative isfor the labels when on the sheet to not have adhesive thereon but ratherto be detached or removed and then attached to an adhesive surface.While one preferred embodiment uses a clear glossy polyester (or film)facestock, an adhesive layer and a paper liner, other materials can beused. However, it is intended that all such variations not departingfrom the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scopethereof.

1-89. (canceled)
 90. A method of applying a plurality of labels,comprising: peeling a liner sheet strip from a sheet construction and toa removed position; the sheet construction including a liner sheet andfacestock adhered with adhesive to the liner sheet; the liner sheetincluding a liner sheet body and the liner sheet strip; the facestockincluding at least one facestock weakened separation line defining aplurality of labels; the peeling exposing at least portions of adhesivebottom surfaces of the labels; the exposing including the labelsextending out from an edge of the liner sheet; and after the peeling,applying the labels to adhered positions using their adhesive bottomsurfaces to at least one surface.
 91. A method of applying a pluralityof labels, comprising: peeling a liner sheet strip from a sheetconstruction and to a removed position; the sheet construction includinga liner sheet and a facestock adhered with adhesive to the liner sheet;the liner sheet including a liner sheet body and the liner sheet strip;the peeling including no portion of the facestock sheet being peeled offwith the liner sheet strip; the facestock including at least onefacestock weakened separation line defining a plurality of labels; thepeeling exposing at least portions of adhesive bottom surfaces of thelabels; and after the peeling, applying the labels to adhered positionsusing their adhesive bottom surfaces to at least one surface.
 92. Amethod of applying a plurality of labels, comprising: providing a sheetconstruction including at least a facestock sheet adhered with adhesiveto a liner sheet; the facestock sheet including at least one weakenedline defining a plurality of labels; the labels being longitudinallyaligned; peeling off a strip from the sheet construction such that freeedge portions of the labels are in protruding positions, at leastportions of adhesive bottom surfaces of the labels are exposed and thelabels remain connected to one another; after the peeling, applying theexposed bottom surfaces of the connected protruding labels to respectivestaggered tabs of a stack of tabbed sheets; and separating the connectedapplied labels from one another.
 93. A method of applying a plurality oflabels, comprising: providing a liner sheet and facestock attached tothe liner sheet with adhesive; at least one liner sheet weakened linethrough the liner sheet but not through the facestock; at least onefacestock weakened line through the facestock but not through the linersheet; the at least one facestock weakened line defining at leastportions of perimeters of facestock labels; the liner sheet including aliner body portion and a liner strip; separating the liner strip fromthe liner body portion from an attached position into a separatedposition wherein the labels are connected to the liner body portion andat least portions of adhesive backsides of the labels are exposed;manipulating at least one of the liner body portion and at least onesurface relative to the other such that the backsides of the labels arein desired application positions relative to the at least one surface;and with the labels in the desired application positions, applying thelabels to the at least one surface, the applying including separatingthe labels from the liner body portion.